Theories and Research Project
Purpose
This project focuses on the candidate’s ability to analyze, compare, contrast, and critique major
theories (behaviorism, constructivism, sociolinguistic, socio-cultural, critical literacy, verbal
efficiency theory, schema etc.) and literacy models (Gough’s model, Interactive Model, Interactive-
Compensatory Model, Parallel Distributed Model, Construction-Integration Model, bottom-up, top-
down, etc.) of reading/literacy. In addition, the project focuses on the candidate’s ability to analyze
the research base related to reading/literacy, including a few key studies known as seminal research.
This project provides the foundation for all other course work in the literacy education program.
Candidates should be prepared to use this final product in various assignments and activities
throughout the program.
The project provides evidence that the candidate has met the following International Reading
Association (IRA) Standards for Reading Professionals (2010).
Standard 1: Foundational Knowledge—The candidates understand the theoretical and evidence-
based foundation of reading and writing processes and instruction. As a result, candidates:
Element 1.1—Understand major theories and empirical research that describe the cognitive,
linguistic, motivation, and sociocultural foundations of reading and writing development, processes,
and components, including word recognition, language comprehension, strategic knowledge, an
reading-writing connections.
Element 1.2—Understand the historically shared knowledge of the profession and changes over
time in the perceptions of reading and writing development, processes, and components.
Element 1.3—Understand the role of professional judgment and practical knowledge for improving
all students’ reading development and achievement.
Project Components
A. Theories/Models
1. Explain the terms theory and model and why theories and models are important to
understand as a literacy coach or reading specialist.
2. Choose 4 of the theories/models in the text (Chapter 1 provides an overview of the
theories) used for RE506. Investigate those theories to uncover more information in
order to more fully and deeply understand those chosen by the candidate paying
particular attention to implication for practice and research.
3. Organize in an historical sequence the 4 chosen theories/models and explain those in
extreme depth in order to provide the reader with a profound understanding of the
chosen theories/models. Include the major theorist/s, theoretical framework, historical
background and significance, and key concepts.
4. Compare and contrast the 4 theories/models that were chosen.
5. Finally, critique each theory/model based upon candidate’s (your) research, professional
judgment, and practical knowledge.
B. Reflection
1. Identify two areas for improvement within your classroom practice and explain how
you will strengthen those two areas.
2. Reflect on the entire assignment and how the assignment prepared you to meet the
identified IRA Standards (above).
Last Completed Projects
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